Rio Tinto employees recognised for 25 years of service

Sixteen Blair Athol employees, with a combined total service record of more than 400 years, will be formally recognised at an awards ceremony in Clermont tonight.

Blair Athol Mine general manager operations Andrew Cole said it will be an opportunity to thank the employees for their 25 years of dedication and service to Rio Tinto.

"Our employees are our greatest asset and tonight's award ceremony highlights the contribution sixteen of them they have made to our organisation," Mr Cole said.

"Twenty-five years service to a company is a tremendous achievement and something to be celebrated.

"Our sixteen long serving employees have become an integral part of our organisation as each and every one of them brings both stability and a depth of knowledge that is hard to replace.

"We value the enormous contribution each of them has made over the years and for helping us to become one of the Australia's leading mining companies."

The employees who will be formally recognised include Bernie Warren, Gavin Neisson, Frank Scott, Rex Ruddick, Paul Wilson, Claude Wienert, Doug Lawrence, David Scott, Shane Stitt, Michael Blacker, Peter Martin, Peter Turner, Jeff Whittington, David Wilkinson, Carey Thrupp and John Richmond.

Recipient Peter Martin, said there has always been a sense of pride associated with working at Blair Athol.

"The company truly has a unique atmosphere, and has a strong commitment to training and development of its employees" Mr Martin said.

"Working for Rio Tinto has provided me with a rewarding and challenging career, which has enabled me to develop both professionally and personally."

Media Enquiries:
Nathan Scholz 07 3361 44354 / 0417 613 174

Media release - Rio Tinto employees recognised for 25 years of service [PDF: 16 KB]